In today’s game, the wings decide everything. The best players in the world are taking over rallies from the edges — Gabe Tardio torching forehands on the right, and elite left-side players attacking backhands off the bounce like it’s second nature. If you can’t punish a backhand from the left side, you’re not playing modern pickleball.
And it all starts with one thing:
The Two-Handed Backhand.
For years, players survived with a soft one-handed slice. Not anymore. From Ben Johns revamping his entire approach in 2024, to up-and-coming pros rewriting their patterns at the kitchen — the two-hander is now the price of admission. If you don’t have it, you’re limiting your offense.
The First Read: Are They Holding or Sliding?
Before you attack from the left, you’ve got to diagnose your opponent.
Holding Position:
They stay squared at the kitchen, neutral, covering both sides. Difficult job for them — great opportunities for you.
Sliding:
They cheat toward their backhand sideline, selling out to protect the one spot they trust. This changes everything about your patterns — and opens up multiple high-percentage targets.
Watch the pros and you’ll see it: Gabe slides. Christian slides. Tyson slides. Riley holds. Deco holds. Knowing who’s in front of you determines your entire plan.
When They Hold Position — Your Attack Map
When they stay home, you attack the space they can’t cover cleanly.
1. Down the Line (The Threat Shot)
It’s an investment. Even if you lose the point, you’ve forced them to respect it — opening easier shots later.
2. The Chicken Wing / Right Hip
A weak reply 80% of the time. They’re pinned and reactive.
3. Avoid the Chest & Straight Middle
These get crushed back at you. Only go here when you’re sending a message with pace.
4. Skip the Crosscourt Speed-Up
Nothing plays into their strength more. Save it for when they’re out of position.
When They Slide — Everything Changes
If they’re leaning on that backhand, your world opens up.
1. Down the Line Becomes a Hammer
They’re selling out for a backhand. Beat them to the forehand and win the exchange immediately.
2. DON’T Hit Directly at the Backhand
This is exactly what they’re waiting for. You’ll eat it every time.
3. Cross-Body Is Gold
They’re moving one way, the ball goes the other — they can’t generate power.
4. The Middle Is Yours (If Their Partner Doesn’t Cover)
If the diagonal shifts, skip it. If they don’t… take the highway.
5. Forehand Jam or Sharp Crosscourt Angle
Two high-percentage solutions when the defense adjusts.
A Pro Drill to Master All 7 Shots
Set cones at each target:
Down the line, chicken wing, body, cross-body, middle, forehand jam, crosscourt angle.
Have your partner feed and call out the cone mid-feed.
This forces deception, fast adjustment, and identical preparation on every shot.
Bottom Line
Modern pickleball demands weapons on both wings — and the two-handed backhand is the separator. Learn to read your opponent, commit to the right target, and the left-side attack becomes one of the most dangerous patterns in the sport.
And if you don’t have a two-hander yet?
It’s not too late.
Zane’s full tutorial is waiting for you.